After returning to the clinic, Mira sorted through the collected herbs with practiced efficiency. Riven hovered nearby, still trying to look casual, while Ash leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
The clinic's elder healer, a stern woman named Hilda, entered, her sharp eyes assessing the trio. "Back already? No injuries?"
Mira nodded. "They protected me from a wild boar. It was acting strangely... enraged."
Hilda frowned. "That's been happening more often lately. Some of the wildlife around town has been unusually aggressive. It's worrying."
Ash exchanged a glance with Riven. "Any idea why?"
The old healer shook her head. "No, but a few other adventurers have reported similar encounters. Some say there's a disturbance in the old ruins to the east."
Riven perked up. "Ruins? Sounds like a quest!"
Hilda huffed. "It's not a game, boy. If something's stirring up the beasts, it could be dangerous. The guild's already sent a few higher-ranked adventurers to check it out, but none have returned yet."
Ash felt a familiar chill at that. Unexplained disappearances weren't exactly comforting. Mira seemed to sense the tension, her hands pausing mid-sorting. "Maybe it's best to stay away for now..."
Riven, however, looked resolute. "But if we could help... I mean, it's not just about fighting. Maybe we could figure out what's wrong."
Hilda gave him a long look, her expression softening just slightly. "Your heart's in the right place, but you're still just a boy. Sometimes staying safe is the smarter choice."
Ash nodded in agreement. "We should gather more information before rushing in. No sense diving into something blind."
Reluctantly, Riven nodded. Mira, sensing his disappointment, offered a small smile. "You're really brave to even consider it. I'm sure the guild will handle it."
As they left the clinic, Riven was uncharacteristically quiet. Ash gave him a light nudge. "Feeling useless?"
Riven scowled. "It's just... I want to be strong enough to help people. Not just wait around while others take the risks."
Ash sighed, understanding more than he cared to admit. "Being strong doesn't mean rushing into danger without a plan. Besides, sometimes helping means keeping the people around you safe first."
Riven grumbled but seemed to take the words to heart. They made their way back to the inn, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Mira had given them a small pouch of herbal balm as thanks, insisting it might help with minor injuries.
Back in their room, Ash finally allowed himself to relax, dropping onto the bed. The system pinged softly in his mind.
> [Status Update: New Potential Quest – Investigate the Ruins] [Recommended Level: 15+]
Ash frowned. "Guess that explains why the guild's having trouble."
Riven flopped onto his own bed, still sulking. "We're not even close to that level. We'd just get in the way."
Ash looked at him thoughtfully. "There's nothing wrong with training up first. We can get stronger while keeping an ear out for news. If the situation gets worse, we'll reconsider."
Riven didn't answer, but the determination in his eyes hadn't faded. Ash could tell that the boy wouldn't let this go easily. Part of him respected that stubborn spirit.
Just as Ash closed his eyes, he remembered Mira's smile—warm and genuine. Maybe helping people didn't always mean fighting monsters. Sometimes it meant being there, even when it was just to gather herbs.
Ash grinned to himself. Riven had a long way to go when it came to understanding his own heart. But one thing was clear: they'd keep moving forward, no matter what challenges lay ahead.